Chapter Three
Di nos quasi pilas homines habent.
[The gods play games with men as balls.]
—Captivi Prologue (XXII), Plautus (Titus Maccius Plautus; 254-184 BC), Roman dramatist
Artemus blinked his eyes rapidly as he stepped out into the bright afternoon sunlight. Jim had been right. Feeling the warmth of the sun, breathing the fresh air was a good thing. If only we were emerging from the depths of the warren for another reason! Unhappily, he watched his partner being led out into the daylight. Jim's wrists were bound behind him, a noose—a leash of sorts—around his neck. His shirt had been removed but he still wore his trousers and boots. A large number of the Tatuma were generally barefoot, although few wore rough woven sandals.
Artie had been "requested" to wear a tribal costume, and he relented only to removing his shirt and replacing it with a woven tunic of sorts decorated with the usual symbols portraying the eagle. They had wanted him to doff his boots and trousers but he had been adamant. Not knowing what was coming up, he most assuredly did not want to be barefoot if an escape attempt was proven necessary. He did accept a headdress of feathers and woven straw, an arrangement very similar to the one that adorned the statue of Armahiga in the large anteroom.
As they walked along a narrow ledge, Artie could not help but notice how the Tatuma—men, women, and children—appeared to be admiring Jim West's chiseled physique, lithe and slim, compared to the generally more bulky build of the tribesmen. He had not yet learned which of the men were to be Jim's opponents, but he thought that as a rule, the physical condition of the males was nowhere near that of Jim's. He had come to realize that the most labor the males did was to wander out into the desert seeking dry wood for fires, or perhaps hunting for rabbits or other small creatures to supplement their diet. Artie hoped that the conditioning aspect would be an important plus for Jim.
A further surprise was that Chief Radina was attending the festivities. His condition had not improved, so he was being borne on a litter toted by four young men, one of them his younger son. Napota apparently deigned such effort beyond him, as he strutted ahead of the procession.
One other item, which Lunata had revealed to him this morning, was worrisome. Amanito had told her that initially Napota had violently objected to the contest, stating that he had wanted the "evil one" executed as planned. The only way he relented was for Amanito to agree to a specific condition, and that was if Jim lost, Amanito was to relinquish all claims to the leadership of the tribe. Further, Amanito was to be banished. Obviously, Napota did not want a "two-party system" with a friendly, or unfriendly, opposition during his rule.
As Titaca trailed closely behind Radina's litter on the trek to the combat arena, Artemus could only wonder if he himself had played right into Napota's hands by conferring with the shaman and thus allowing him to bring up the supposed tribal tradition that would allow the condemned to fight for his life. Of course, these men had no knowledge of Jim's prowess in physical combat. On the other side of the coin, Jim had never encountered this tribe before, had no awareness of their methods of fighting.
Artie had asked Lunata how Napota was so sure that the god Armahiga would be on his side if he banished his brother. Lunata had avoided a direct answer, but Artie had his suspicions. He would have to eat, and who knew how many and what kind of potions Titaca concocted? Jim appeared alert and healthy this morning so apparently Titaca had kept his promise to not drug him, but the shaman might have one that would lower the god's defenses and make him subject to the will of Napota in the future. Well, if Jim is unsuccessful, my chances of escaping from here are pretty slim anyway.
The arena was a broad and somewhat shallow canyon, or arroyo, with sloping sides and a grassy area about fifty feet broad on the bottom, apparently nourished by an underground water source. As the spectators arrayed themselves on the sides, Artemus got his first really good grasp of the size of the population, and its dynamics. He saw about fifty people, of which only around a half dozen were small children. He was not surprised to notice that more than half the adults were close to middle-aged or older, with a few very gray heads interspersed.
Yes, the tribe is dying out. Quite possibly the necessity to intermarry has caused health problems over the years. Without contact with outside civilization, and new blood, this will probably continue. Napota, the elder son, looks to be less than forty; likely Radina isn't much more than sixty, but he appears much more ancient.
Artemus watched closely as the ceremonies progressed. Jim was required to kneel in the center of the grassy plot while Titaca danced around shaking feathers, a gourd rattle and another gourd apparently filled with water, which he attempted to sprinkle on Jim. Artie was glad, and not entirely surprised, to see that Jim leaned away from the water, so that only small droplets reached his bare skin. Titaca could not make a real effort to ensure that the liquid struck the contestant, lest anyone discern what both of the outsiders were realizing, that the water could contain some mixture that would create havoc with Jim's system. The worried expression on Titaca's countenance suggested that he was aware his strategy was not being successful. Napota was also glowering more than usual.
Finally, the noose was removed from Jim's neck and his arms released. He stood up and waited as Titaca began a long and impassioned speech, which obviously was the introduction of the tribe's champions, as three men stepped out from the others, one by one. The first was the real surprise, a youth who appeared to be not much more than seventeen or eighteen, but also in fine physical condition, his body not yet running to the softness that his elders displayed. This was Tabuna, he gathered. The young man strutted around, posturing, waving, and grinning widely. The spectators yelled back, encouraging him.
Next was Amerta, a man Jim guessed was around his own age, broad of chest, but also with an apparently soft belly. He was shorter than Tabuna, and Jim judged that even with his apparent softness, he owned certain strength in his upper body. These three men were, as he understood, the champions of the tribe, so they had to be better than others.
The third man, Incala, was older still, possibly in his forties, with strands of silver in his long dark hair. He appeared in better condition than Amerta, but not as fine as the young Tabuna. Jim noticed his calculating appraisal of the man the trio were set to defeat. This was a man who relied more on guile and thus, despite his age, might be the most dangerous opponent.
Jim had thought about the fact that the combat was to be weaponless, yet to the death, and now he noticed how all three men continued to flex their hands as they took their positions in a triangular configuration around him. He had not really looked at their hands previously, but now realized that all three had powerful-appearing hands. That must be the strategy, he decided. They'll try to get their fingers around my neck!
Titaca continued his invocation, going to each of the three champions and sprinkling a liquid on them—from a different gourd than previously, Jim was sure. He had noticed that the few droplets that had reached his skin from the earlier ceremony had caused a mild burning sensation. He could only wonder what his condition would be had more of the liquid been poured on him. Would it have produced discomfort that would have debilitated or distracted him?
Jim looked toward his partner, standing next to the litter which had been placed on a slant so that Radina could continue to recline, yet view the action. Artie's face was stern, even a little worried, as his arms were folded across the tribal costume he wore. Jim nodded toward him, and was rewarded by a return nod, and even a little smile of encouragement.
At long last, Titaca left the arena, joining the royal party that included "Armahiga." Jim waited, certain that a particular ritual would define this combat and it did. The three men began to slowly move in one direction, circling him at a distance of about six feet. They expected to distract him so that one would be able to make a move.
He watched them carefully, studying their faces, particularly their eyes, and he guessed which one would make the first move. He surmised correctly, as abruptly Tabuna lunged toward him. The young are the least patient. Jim waited until the last second as Tabuna's hands were reaching for his throat. He was barely aware of the screams from the spectators as he reacted, bringing up both arms to thrust Tabuna's away, then swinging his right down to slam into the youth's solar plexus, the left up to the chin. Tabuna staggered back, eyes momentarily wide with surprise before crumpling to the grass.
Jim spun around to face the remaining pair. If they had been startled by the sudden and unexpected fate of their young companion, they did not reveal such an emotion on their stoic faces as they moved farther apart, so as to not allow him to watch both of them at the same time. Again, Jim had to try to judge their next move, and again he was correct. The duo did not act as one, any more than the trio had. As well, they were saving the "best" until last. Amerta waited until Jim turned his head toward Incala, then charged.
Unlike Tabuna, Amerta did not go for the jugular, so to speak, but flailed his arms in an obvious attempt to land a stunning blow. Jim found it easy to dodge the swipes, though Amerta was not as easy to disable as Tabuna. A blow to the soft stomach elicited an "oof!" and caused Amerta to stagger slightly, but he did not open up his chin as Tabuna had. He even landed a grazing blow on Jim's jaw, which caused Jim to back up slightly and take a quick glance at Incala, who was wary but still intent on waiting his turn. Thank goodness for their fighting techniques!
Jim danced a bit, feinting toward Amerta with his fists, and then abruptly left his feet to slam his boots into Amerta's midriff. Amerta cried out, doubling over in pain, gasping for breath. Jim scrambled to his feet, cast another look at the patient Incala, and used one-two punches to put Amerta on the ground.
Now he turned to Incala, seeing the narrow-eyed intelligence gazing back at him. Incala had taken in all the moves, and he would be wary. Perhaps that was why he was still considered a "champion" at his rather advanced age. Jim was aware of the hot sun on his head and shoulders, felt the perspiration dripping off his face onto his already sweating body. They are accustomed to this weather; I'm not. I've got to end this quickly before the heat saps my strength!
Artemus watched as the two men circled warily, like two cats, waiting for an opening to pounce. Incala had a few inches in height on Jim, and perhaps twenty or thirty pounds. Older, and maybe wiser, he reflected. Artie had come to the conclusion that the strategy was to grasp one's opponent by the throat, to choke into unconsciousness—or death. He was pretty certain Jim had divined that as well by now. Tabuna's attack, in particular, had been obvious.
He heard the yells from the spectators and wondered whom they were rooting for at this point. He had seen their awe and admiration as the challenger took out the first two champions. Were any of them now cheering for an "upset," for the underdog "evil one"? Glancing at his nearby companions, Artie saw conflicting emotions on their faces as well. Lunata and Amanito were tense, but displayed some hope now that Jim had downed the first two. Napota was furious, Titaca obviously worried. Only Radina seemed content to accept the results, whatever they were.
Incala suddenly lunged and swung a heavy fist toward Jim, who dodged it adroitly and answered with a blow to the chin, which unfortunately did not land solidly as Incala jerked his head back. Again the pair circled, and just as Artemus reflected that the tribesman had longer legs than Jim, Incala suddenly stuck his bare foot out and caught Jim behind the knee, pulling forward.
Jim went down, his face contorting with pain as his leg twisted under him. Incala took advantage, hurling his body atop Jim's, pinning his opponent's arms to his sides with his knees as his hands wrapped around Jim's neck. Artemus Gordon watched in pure horror, as the powerful hands tightened. Jim struggled fiercely, but he was helpless.
My God! I've got to help! Even as the words flew through his mind, Artie knew that the only thing he would accomplish would be to be slain as well. Maybe that's preferable... Rational thinking prevailed. If Jim was to die, he himself had to be available to avenge him. After all, Artemus, it's all your fault. Your damnable brilliant ideas! Jim!
He saw his partner suddenly go limp, eyes closing. A wrenching pain cut through Artemus Gordon's soul as Incala grinned widely and started to sit back, his powerful hands loosening their grip. At that moment, the "dead man" under him acted, arching his back and bucking the unwary Incala off to one side.
Jim jumped to his feet, ignoring the knives of agony in his left leg. Incala too was scrambling up, but Jim acted faster. His injured leg precluded the jump-kick, but he used his fists, ramming them piston-like into Incala's midriff and chest, with a few lifting to batter the exposed chin when Incala tried to fend off the body blows. Incala finally went down.
Artemus Gordon closed his eyes for a moment, saying a silent prayer of thanks, and wondering when he was going to learn to stop underestimating his partner. When he looked again, Jim was standing quietly, not acknowledging the cheers of the spectators. Perspiration gleamed on his naked back and chest, golden from the hours he and Artemus had spent in fields near their parked train practicing the arts of self-defense against each other.
Titaca was the first one to move, obviously belatedly remembering that he was the master of ceremonies of a sort for the affair. He walked out to Jim, nodded to him, and motioned to follow him. Only then did Artie realize his partner had been injured. Jim was trying to hide it, but he was limping. Jim was led to stand before Radina's litter.
The old man held out a hand and after a moment, Jim realized he was supposed to take that hand, which he did. Radina spoke several sentences, and Lunata stepped over beside him to translate. "The chief say you are the champion, that only a man with a pure heart could defeat the old champions. You are no longer a prisoner, and welcomed to reside with the Tatuma."
Jim glanced at Artemus, remembering his partner's stated desire to remain and help the tribe therefore he himself did not speak up to ask if they were free to leave. Besides, they still consider Artie their god. That has to be straightened out first. He merely bowed slightly and spoke his gratitude, which Lunata translated.
Artie stepped over then to grip Jim's arm. "You're hurt."
"I think my knee is sprained. But I don't want that damned Titaca treating it!"
Artie smothered a grin. "I think the great god Armahiga can take care of you with Great Aunt Maude's poultice."
The party was not over yet, as some women performed a dance, followed by men doing a more vigorous step. At least Lunata provided Jim with a jug of cool water to drink. He would have liked to sit down, but none of the dignitaries were doing so, thus he stood alongside Artemus and watched the display. In between the dances, Titaca did some more orating.
Artemus had been picking up enough of the language to realize that the shaman was probably not giving Jim the credit he deserved. The fact that both Lunata and Amanito were deeply frowning confirmed his suspicions. Titaca continued to refer to Jim as the "evil one" and appeared to be crediting black magic for Jim's victory. Artie could not discern from the spectators' somber, thoughtful faces just how they were receiving this. At least none appeared to be ready to form a lynch mob of sorts.
Finally the affair wound down. The men picked up Radina's litter to bear him back inside. Artie could see that the elderly man was exhausted, quite probably at least partially from the heat. The old woman who appeared to be his housekeeper had been nearby fanning him, giving him drinks of water, but he was a sick man.
As they walked back toward the cliff dwelling, Artie knew his partner was also exhausted. At least my headdress gave me some protection from the blazing sun. The painful leg, which Jim continued to try to hide, would be sapping his stamina as well. Add into that the physical activity and the throttling he had endured… Artie could see the bruises on Jim's throat. He may not have gone entirely unconscious, feigning that bit, but most assuredly he had been unable to breathe for long seconds. Thank goodness Incala's ego overcame the possible need for caution. He wanted to celebrate his victory too soon, without making sure of his victim.
The god Armahiga was escorted to his chambers, with Jim trailing along. When Titaca indicated that Jim should be taken away, Artie protested, insisting that the new champion remain. Perhaps because a number of citizens had accompanied them, the shaman relented. Napota and Amanito were not among the crowd, but neither was Lunata, so Artie hoped that the young woman was with the brothers and would help prevent any problems between them, if only because Napota would not want her as a witness.
Too bad the agreement regarding the result of the combat reached between the brothers was so one-sided, so that Napota would now be forced to leave the tribe. But for whatever reason, that had not happened, probably, Artie reasoned, because the younger brother was much more compassionate. He would not want his brother to suffer the cruelty of exile, despite what Napota preferred for him.
Titaca remained as the crowd dispersed, and perhaps regretted his decision as the Eagle God laid into him for first of all, allowing the bargain to be struck between the brothers and then reneging on his promise to not attempt to drug Jim. Titaca denied all, of course, speaking English now that witnesses had departed. He had nothing to do with the pact. Amanito had acted wisely in arranging the bout, and Armahiga should be grateful because otherwise Napota would not have allowed the contest to take place. The "evil one" would have been slain as planned.
As for the idea that he tried to inhibit Jim's abilities with a potion, he was horrified with the accusation. The water in the gourd was "holy water," he claimed, and had the "evil one" allowed himself to be doused, he would have had the strength of ten men, with all his demons exorcised. He then offered to treat the champion having noticed himself the way Jim favored his leg.
Artie sent him off with a request for a bowl of hot water and some cloths. "Maybe that wasn't smart," he admitted as Titaca vanished, turning to Jim who now stretched out on the stone bed.
"You can try the water on yourself first," Jim muttered, allowing all his muscles to relax. "Man, I feel like a wrung-out rag!"
Artemus surveyed him, noticing the dark circles under the eyes. The unshaven jaw might be hiding lines of fatigue. "I wonder if Titaca slipped you something after all, but miscalculated when it would take affect. Or perhaps the sprinkle of holy water would have speeded it along. How's your neck?"
"Sore. But not as bad as my leg."
"You put on quite a show out there, James. Congratulations."
Jim eyed his partner. "Thank you," he replied acidly. "But don't you ever do anything like that again!"
"I promise," Artemus replied, and grinned. Both men knew that each would do whatever was required to survive.
Jim sighed. "I didn't notice any signs of the horses."
"No. But as I came out of the compound, I looked the opposite direction, and I believe there are some more canyons in that direction."
"That's possible," Jim concurred. "That's the direction we came from. I was too busy staying on my feet to admire the countryside."
"Staying on your feet? What…?"
Jim realized that his partner had been unconscious during that whole journey. "They had me leashed like today. Seems to be a favorite way to travel."
"Yeah," Artemus growled. He then frowned thoughtfully. "This did not occur to me before now, but obviously the tribe has some cows or goats. I've been fed a bit of tasty cheese."
"Well, congratulations. Something a little better than that flavored porridge I've been getting."
"Oh, I was served that too, only with a chunk of cheese on the side. Now that you are no longer persona non grata—I hope—perhaps you'll be fed a little better."
Lunata entered then, bearing a bowl of steaming water and several rough cloths over her arm. Her unhappy expression led Artie to inquire the reason as he soaked the cloths to wrap around Jim's knee. With the woman there, Jim declined to remove his trousers. They would dry.
Lunata stated that the brothers had had a fierce argument in their father's chamber, and that Radina was very, very ill. She still feared that Napota would seize control, regardless of the will of the people. Sadly, she was certain her elder brother was still cooperating with Napota. She had hoped otherwise.
"Lunata, if your brother was… removed from his position, who would become magic one?"
Her smile was shy. "Lunata. Titaca and old magic one, they teach Lunata long time ago. But Titaca magic one long as he live."
Jim lifted himself up on one elbow. "Artie, we can't interfere in tribal affairs."
Artemus looked at him in some surprise. "Jim, I told you I wanted to help them."
"I know you did. And I would like to help as well. But we won't be around to follow through if you take the bull by the horns. Titaca and Napota would be here."
Artie knew what he meant then. Even if "Armahiga" were able to influence the selection of the new chief, and possibly depose the overly ambitious shaman, neither agent would cold-bloodedly slay those two men. Even if exiled, both Titaca and Napota would be free to return as soon as the white men departed, and possibly wreak vengeance.
"You're right," Artie said resignedly. "We have to allow nature to take its course, as it were."
Lunata was looking from one to the other, confusion on her pretty face. "What you say?"
Artie put a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry about it, Lunata. My friend and I will be here long enough to let his leg heal, and perhaps we can find a way to help your tribe."
Now she frowned. "Armahiga leave?"
The two men looked at each other, realizing each had pretty much forgotten for the moment Artie's status as the tribal Eagle God. Despite the outcome of today's contest, nothing had been said about either man being allowed to depart, especially the god.
"Don't worry," Artie said again, putting a smile on his face. "I won't desert you. Lunata, there is one thing Armahiga would like to know, and that is what was the sign that the old magic one, and your brother, saw that indicated you were to be the Eagle God's bride. Is there some way you can find out?"
She shrugged. "Maybe. Maybe so. I never ask. Titaca maybe tell me. It is important?"
"Might be. Go on now. Both the Eagle God and the evil one need to rest awhile. All right?"
Lunata departed, casting one last long glance toward the still shirtless reclining Jim West. Artemus smothered a smile. He had seen it before. Even happily married women feasted their eyes on the handsome young agent.
"Evil one," Jim yawned. "Seems like I should have a new name."
"I doubt the three you lambasted think of you as anything else by now." Artie dipped another cloth in the still steaming water, eyed his partner thoughtfully. "You all right?"
"Tired," Jim muttered, suddenly finding it hard to keep his eyes open.
Damn! I didn't think to ask Lunata if Titaca was anywhere near this water, Artie chastised himself. "Jim?"
Jim's eyes had closed. Artie quickly picked up the limp wrist and with a great deal of relief felt a strong pulse; Jim's chest was rising and falling evenly as well. Was this just the result of fatigue, or had Titaca indeed doped the water, which by now would have been absorbed through the pores, perhaps similar to what he attempted to sprinkle on Jim's skin prior to the match? However, he realized, he himself had had his hands in that water with thus far no ill effects. So perhaps only exhaustion affected Jim.
Neither Titaca nor Napota had been thrilled with Jim's victory, Artie knew. They had counted on the trio to be able to defeat, and probably slay, Jim, thus removing what the pair obviously realized was an obstacle. Napota surely had been aware from the outset that the injured man on the cliff was not the Eagle God, despite the strong resemblance, but decided to try to use that likeness to his advantage, separating the partners and casting Jim in the role of villain and murderer. He had also likely thought to put himself in the role of hero and protector by slaying the mortal who attempted to murder the Eagle God.
My talking to too many people about Jim being my friend may have slowed him down, casting too many doubts. Which is why he assented to the contest—and demanded the conditions from his brother. But he didn't get rid of Jim, and he didn't get rid of Amanito. When Radina passes away, Napota will still face the challenge of his brother's popularity.
Lunata returned then, her face full of dismay, with two men. "They come take… Jim to other place."
Artemus stiffened. The two men with her were Incala and Amerta, both with bruised and scowling faces. "No," he said firmly. "My friend stays here with me now."
Lunata relayed this to the pair; their scowls deepened, but they departed, probably not having instructions to use force. What next?
"I sorry," Lunata said softly, coming further into the room. "Napota say…"
Artie smiled at her. "It's all right. I understand."
She looked at the dozing Jim. "He sick?"
"Just weary." No use making any accusations now. Lunata was upset already at being forced to comply with Napota's commands, when she plainly realized the former combatants would be up to no good. Would they have strangled Jim before leaving him in his cell?
"I ask Titaca," Lunata went on then. "He say old magic one tell him that signs say Lunata will marry the wise and powerful one."
"Not necessarily the Eagle God?" She shook her head. "A wise and powerful one could be a leader, your tribe's chief. Someone jumped to conclusions. Who told you that you must marry the Eagle God, even if you had to be sacrificed to him to do it?"
She frowned. "Not remember well. Maybe Chief Radina." The frown deepened. "Maybe Titaca tell Napota…" A little anger appeared in the dark eyes now as she began to realize. "Napota want Lunata for bride!"
Artie nodded. "Did Titaca ever suggest that you could avoid being sacrificed if you were the chief's wife?"
"Yes!" she snapped. "Lunata foolish one!"
"No, not really. You had no reason to doubt your brother."
Her chin came up. "I never marry Napota! No marry Armahiga!" She suddenly realized what she was saying and extended a pleading hand. "Please forgive me!"
Artemus took her hand. "Don't worry, Lunata. You haven't hurt my feelings at all. I believe in true love, and you do love Amanito, I know that. But please, do not let anyone know how your thoughts have changed. You must continue as before, obeying Napota as much as possible, as well as your brother."
W*W*W*W*W
Jim roused about two hours later, admitting that he felt much better after the nap, if a little foggy in the head. "Was I drugged?"
"I'm not sure. Lunata brought the water, but that's no guarantee Titaca didn't slip something into it. You went out so fast, I have to believe something caused it. I had my hands in that water, but perhaps that wasn't enough for it to affect me."
Jim sat up, rubbing his bewhiskered cheeks. "Guess I should be grateful he didn't put something deadly in it. But what was the purpose?"
Grimly, Artie told him about the two men who wanted to take him away. "I used my godlike powers and dissuaded them."
"Phew! Thanks. Incala and Amerta, huh? Wonder if I would have lived to reach my charming little cell."
"Obviously, the motive for the drugged water—if it was drugged—was to ensure that you'd be in no condition to fight back. Jim, this is getting serious!"
"Getting serious! Artemus, as far as I'm concerned, it's been serious since you took the tumble over the cliff. Especially when Napota and his pals dragged me in with a noose around my neck!"
"Yeah, I guess we did have slightly disparate points of view at the outset. I underestimated how serious Napota is about gaining the chiefdom. He's willing to do almost anything. Seems that once he's named chief, nothing can depose him except death. I wouldn't put it passed him to harm his own brother to gain his ambition."
"He appears to be a clever man," Jim commented. "Or else it's the shaman, Titaca. I suspect if harm did come to Amanito, it would look like an accident, such as a slip over a cliff."
Artemus nodded. "While I believe Amanito is intelligent in his own way, he also may be too trusting. We need to get him aside and tell him that if he goes for a walk with his brother, to stay on the inside of the path."
"Yeah, and perhaps he should hire an official taster of his food. I'm thinking of doing that myself. Want the job?"
"No thanks! I might need one myself."
"Not right away, Artie. I have an idea Napota has other ideas for you. He would not kill off the goose that might lay the golden eggs, so to speak. To have Armahiga's blessing would be the cherry atop the whipped cream of being crowned chief."
"He's not going to get my blessing!"
"That's why you might eventually need a food taster, when Napota comes to realize that. If Titaca has a drug that will weaken your will…"
"I see what you mean. Jim, I think the smartest thing for us to do is to get out of here as soon as possible."
"Isn't that what I've been saying all along?"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Rub it in." Artemus sighed deeply. "I still hate the idea of going away and leaving these people to Napota's heavy-handed rule."
"What we have to do is both, partner. There's got to be a way."
Artemus nodded, then gazed sternly at his partner. "We have a much more urgent problem."
"What's that?"
"You are not taking over my bed, pal."
"And I'm not going back to that cramped cell."
Artie met Jim's firm stare a moment, then grinned. "Next time Lunata comes in, I'll see if she can round up some more blankets. We can flip a coin to see who sleeps on the floor. I'm pretty sure they can't just carve another bed out of the wall in a jiffy."
W*W*W*W*W
Come, thick night,
And pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell!
That my keen knife see not the wound it makes
Nor heaven peep through the blanket of the dark
To cry, hold, hold!
—Macbeth (act 1, scene 5), William Shakespeare (1564-1616), English dramatist and poet
Jim awakened into the dimness, the pitch black of the interior rooms relieved only by the single flickering torch in the sconce near the door. He wondered what had disturbed his sleep. Artemus was obviously still in deep slumber on his stone bed. At least the blankets and robes Lunata provided relieved the hardness of the floor to some extent. Much better than the cold floor in the cell.
He sat up. Perhaps the nap he had taken had shortened the night for him, rousing him in the deep silence of the cliff dwelling because he had had enough rest. He could hear nothing now. Usually the only sounds that reverberated through the complex appeared to be those of activity in the passageways. The walls of the various rooms blocked sound otherwise.
At least they might get an opportunity to shave today, perhaps even bathe and change clothes. Amanito had come to the room late last night to tell them that his father was doing well despite the apparent exhaustion following his outing yesterday. Amanito had worried that the exertion might be too much for him. When Artie asked, the young man stated he knew where the horses were pastured, and also where the saddles and other gear had been stored.
As they suspected, the steeds were being kept in a canyon located in the opposite direction from where the arena was located, in an area with available grass and water, where the tribe's goats also grazed. The agents requested that he bring their saddlebags to them if he could without making trouble for himself. Jim also asked if a bath was possible. Amanito seemed surprised by the request. He would arrange for it on the morrow, apparently puzzled why such an amenity had not been offered to at least the god Armahiga previously. When he had gone, Jim had grinned at his partner. "I didn't know gods needed to bathe."
Jim was about to lie back down when he heard a sound, an almost indefinable sound. Tensing, he remained very still and listened; then he carefully lay down, closing his eyes to a mere slit. The sibilant whisper came from just outside the door, and a moment later, two shadows moved into the room, which was illuminated now only by the torches out in the passageways. They paused for a long moment, then headed for the stone couch.
Jim West leapt out of the bed and only by sheer willpower did not immediately collapse as pain shot through his injured leg—the injury he had momentarily forgotten about. The cry of the man he grabbed roused Artemus, who came awake immediately, throwing his top blanket aside as he instantly grasped the situation.
The battle lasted just a few seconds, as the two intruders broke free and raced away into the darkness, but not before dropping something that clattered to the floor. Artemus started to give chase, but Jim grabbed his arm. "Never mind. They'll lose themselves in the maze of corridors before we can come close." He reached down to pick up the shiny object from the floor, holding it in the palm of his hand as Artie quickly stepped out to light one of the rooms torches from another one and returned.
"That's your knife!" Artie exclaimed.
Jim nodded. "It was with my jacket in the cell." Artie had asked Lunata to bring Jim's shirt, and she followed the request literally, bringing only the shirt that Jim had removed before heading out to the contest yesterday. Jim had laughed about it, saying he would get his jacket later. Although the interior rooms of the dwelling were cool, he was comfortable in shirtsleeves, and the blankets had kept him warm while sleeping.
"What in the world?"
Jim's face was somber. "Simple: two birds with one stone. They went straight for you, Artie. Killed with my knife, I would have been executed for your murder. A god's murder."
"Has to be Napota… or Titaca… or both."
"I'm thinking both. But we have no proof whatsoever. I'm not sure the old man would believe his son's treachery."
"In his condition," Artie said quietly, "I would not care to bother him with it. I expect to hear almost momentarily that he has passed. I'm sure that you would have been executed for my murder, and Napota would have taken all the credit. Almost as good as having a god in his corner." He looked toward the doorway. "Sure wish we could lock that."
Jim chuckled. "Hard to lock a blanket. Let's go back to bed. They won't try anything further tonight."
W*W*W*W*W
The only certain way to discern that morning had come—or for that matter, when night had fallen—was to listen to the noises of the cliff dwelling. Artemus sat up when he heard the sound of voices in the distance, a now familiar harbinger that dawn had broken. He had not slept well after the intruders, and he knew his partner had not either. They had not spoken again, but he had heard the restless sounds from the bed on the floor.
"Oh, for a cup of coffee," Jim groaned, stretching.
"I'll settle for a soft bed," Artie returned, reaching for the boots he had put on the floor.
Jim got to his feet—he had slept with his boots on—and went to light a second torch in the room from the first, which they had left burning, increasing the brightness but not measurably. "Well, we have our delicious gourmet breakfast to look forward too. Maybe I'll get some cheese too."
Artemus laughed. "I warn you, it's nothing like Wisconsin's best."
"At this point, I'm not picky. Do we go in search of breakfast or wait to be served."
"Oh, we wait to be served, James. After all, consider my status!"
Jim frowned. "How do we know we're not being poisoned."
"Aye, there's the rub. Haven't located that official taster yet. Perhaps young Tabuna would like the job."
Lunata brought their breakfast, and when questioned, stated that Titaca had not been near the food she prepared.
"You understand why we ask, Lunata," Artie said gently.
She nodded sadly. "My brother do bad things. Napota tell him, Titaca do it. I fear for Amanito."
"We're going to do our best to make sure Amanito is safe," Jim said, "but we might some need help from others. I know he has a lot of friends here, but can you name any in particular who would be brave enough to help us?"
"Many people want Amanito to be chief," she replied slowly. "They afraid of Napota. I do not know… I maybe think and say later."
As Jim had done previously, they tested a couple of spoonfuls of their meal before deciding it was safe to consume. Amanito arrived as they were finishing. He brought the pouches from their saddles. Informing them that he would show them where they could take baths, he led them down several corridors, to an astonishing cavern where depressions in the floor were filled with steaming water pouring from a hidden hot springs and funneled through the walls.
"It's not the Ritz," Artemus sighed as he soaked in the hot water, "but it sure feels good."
"What will feel really good is to get rid of these whiskers," Jim returned. "Artie, I'm not sure what more we can do here. Even if you are a 'god,' I suspect your powers are limited where choosing the chief is concerned."
"I've been limited ever since I got here. Napota pretty much let me know that I had to work through him for the most part."
Jim frowned as he lathered his chest. "But he does want you on his side."
"Yeah, seems so."
"I kind of got the impression from the start that had he not recognized your resemblance to Armahiga and called others' attention to it, we could have both been thrown into the canyon. I'm pretty sure he made certain that everyone knew you were the Eagle God before they saw you."
"Influencing their thinking," Artemus murmured. "And sacrificing you was just going to enhance his reputation. Kind of surprising that he and Titaca agreed to the combat, except that they probably thought you were a goner."
"I did too once Incala got his hands around my neck."
"I wasn't worried," Artemus lied. "I knew you had a trick up your sleeve. How's your leg feeling, by the way?"
"Better all the time. This hot water helps. But the question was… how are we to help Amanito and Lunata, not to mention the rest of the Tatuma? We have no business sticking our nose into their politics."
"True. Other than the fact that they've virtually made me a prisoner and wanted to kill you."
Jim glared at his partner then shook his head. "Not 'they.' Just Napota and maybe Titaca. But we've been here what, three days?"
"Four," Artemus amended.
"All right, four, five. Still not long enough for us to truly know what's going on. For all we know, Lunata is a deceiver."
"You don't believe that, James."
"No," Jim sighed. "We're back to square one. How do we help them?"
"That is the puzzle. I'd like to at least ensure that the tribal election is fair. Not that I'm wishing Radina ill, but we cannot hang around here forever waiting for him to die. I wonder…" Artemus stared at the bar of soap he held.
"Go on."
"I wonder if there's anything in tribal bylaws that says the election of a new chief has to wait until the former one passes on. If we could persuade them to hold the election right away, and make sure it's a fair vote…"
"How is the voting held?"
"Danged if I know."